Abstract: A coiled tubing injector assembly includes a coiled tubing injector and a tubing guide. The tubing guide has an automatic clamping mechanism that includes a pair of clamping slips. The clamping slip will automatically move from an open position in which coiled tubing can pass through the clamping sips, to a closed position in which the clamping slips positively clamp the coiled tubing to the tubing guide. The clamping mechanism moves from the open to the closed position when the tubing guide is lifted from an installation platform in which the coiled tubing is positioned in the tubing guide so that it can be positioned on top of the coiled tubing injector. The clamping mechanism will automatically clamp the coiled tubing to the tubing guide when the tubing guide is removed from the coiled tubing injector.

Abstract: An active measurement and control system for a material cutting apparatus. The apparatus comprises a cutting tool which may be pivoted for cutting a workpiece in a cutting area at a selectable angle. The cutting area defines a datum plane, and a feed table with a shuttle vise is used to move the workpiece toward the cutting area. A controller controls the feed distance of the shuttle vise and the cutting angle of the tool in response to a signal from a sensor used for sensing a transverse dimension of the workpiece relative to the datum plane. In this way, the feed distance and cutting angle are adjusted to compensate for variations in the transverse dimension. This transverse dimension can include a displacement from the datum plane of a distal and/or proximate surface of the workpiece. A method of cutting a workpiece is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for sealing subterranean zones containing oil to prevent the uncontrolled flow of fluids into or from the zones. The compositions basically comprise water, a phosphonic acid ester, a multivalent metal ion releasing compound and an organophilic clay.

Abstract: A remote staged radiant wall furnace burner configuration includes placement of secondary fuel gas nozzles remote from radiant wall burners. This configuration brings about an increased mixing of secondary fuel with furnace flue gases. As a result, the temperature of the burning fuel gas is lowered and NOX formation is reduced.

Abstract: The current invention provides an improved an automatic hook setting, fishing rod holder. The automatic hook setting, fishing rod holder includes means for adjusting the sensitivity of the device and includes safety devices to protect the user from injuries resulting from inadvertent triggering of the device. The automatic hook setting, fishing rod of the current invention is designed for use in virtually any location.

Abstract: A floor sign comprising two substantially similar panels and an engaged slidable locking bar. Each panel has a pair of closely spaced apart tabs with an aperture through each and a tab having a boss on both sides. The two panels engage each other at their upper end by interlocking the pair of tabs with the tab bosses. The upper portions of the panels are pivotably coupled. The locking bar has an upper horizontal section and a vertically depending section and is inserted between the two panels for maintaining the panels in a spaced apart deployed position or in a collapsed position. The floor sign is deployed by pressing downward on the locking bar to insert the bar between the panels, forcing them apart at a ridge on the inner face of each panel. The bar locks to maintain the lower ends of the panels in a spaced apart configuration. To collapse the sign a user lifts upward on the locking bar via a notch in the panels to release the locking bar and permit the panels to collapse toward each other.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing or limiting the rotation of cementing plugs in a casing string during drillout. The apparatus includes an outer housing with a sleeve disposed therein. The sleeve has an inner surface configured to engage cementing plugs received therein to cause an interference fit. The sleeve will hold the cementing plugs when rotational forces, such as drilling forces, are applied so that during drillout, rotation of the cementing plug is prevented or is at least limited.

Abstract: The current invention provides a method for enhancing the formation stability of water sensitive, reactive formations penetrated by a wellbore. The method of the current invention provides an accurate evaluation of the impact of cementing fluids on water sensitive, reactive formations and provides the ability to accurately formulate cementing fluids in order to enhance the stability of such formations. When necessary, the method of the current invention additionally provides for the application of an osmotic semi-permeable membrane to the face of the formation.

Abstract: Methods, cement compositions and oil suspensions of powders are provided. The oil suspensions of silica powder comprise silica powder, mineral oil, an oleophilic clay, an oleophilic surfactant and a hydrophilic surfactant.

Abstract: An access device for providing access between a lower level and an upper level, the access device including a main body which includes a first body section and a body section pivotally connected to the first body section, said first section being mounted for pivotal movement about a main body fixed pivot mounting between an access position and a stowed position, a drive mechanism operable to cause movement of the first body section between the access and stowed positions, the first and second body sections being pivotally movable between an extended position in which they are disposed generally end to end and a retracted position in which they disposed generally side by side, and a control link assembly for controlling the movement of the first and second body sections between the extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods of cementing and cement compositions. A cement composition of the invention comprises hydraulic cement, silica hydrophobicized with a mixture of organosilicon compounds and water which upon hardening has high shear bond strength.

Abstract: A portion of at least one fiber is moved from a wellbore into a formation such that the portion is placed to conduct a signal responsive to at least one parameter in the formation. One particular implementation uses fiber optic cable with a process selected from the group consisting of a fracturing process, an acidizing process, and a conformance process.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of cementing pipe in well bores and low density cement compositions having enhanced compressive, tensile and bond strengths upon setting. The composition of the invention are basically comprised of a hydraulic cement, sufficient water to form a slurry and hollow glass microspheres surface treated with a mixture of organosilane coupling agents present in an amount sufficient to produce a cement composition density in the range of from about 6 to about 12 pounds per gallon.

Abstract: A transmissionless variable output pumping unit comprising a multiple crankshaft pump driven by a prime mover. The apparatus includes an adjustment mechanism for adjusting a phase angle between first and second crankshafts. Plungers in the pump are disposed in cylinders forming part of a pumping chamber. When the phase angle is at a minimum, the plungers operate together for maximum discharge from the pump. When the phase angle is at a maximum, the plungers operate substantially opposite one another for zero discharge. The phase angle may be infinitely adjusted between the minimum and maximum.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for preventing or limiting the rotation of downhole tools, such as cementing plugs, in a casing string during drillout. The apparatus includes an outer case and a radially expandable sleeve disposed therein. The sleeves will engage cementing plugs received therein. The sleeves radially expand when cementing plugs are received therein to grippingly engage the outer case and prevent or limit rotation thereof during drillout.

Abstract: A vent screen pressure deployment tool and method for use in running tubular members into a pressurized well. The apparatus comprises a top sub and a stinger. The top sub is adapted for connection to the upper end of a tubular member, such as a vent screen. An upper end of the top sub is adapted for connection to a conveying tool, such as a slick line deployment tool, and the top sub defines a collet recess therein. The stinger comprises a locator sub adapted for connection to the lower end of another tubular member and a collet sub shearably attached to the locator sub. The collet sub has a plurality of flexible collets thereon adapted for latching engagement with the collet recess when aligned therewith, thereby providing a latched connection between the tubular members.

Abstract: A ball drop tool for dropping an actuating ball to a ball seat located in a tool or tool string therebelow. The ball drop tool includes a housing with a ball drop cage positioned therein. The ball drop cage has a rocker arm pivotably attached thereto. In a first position, the rocker arm retains the actuating ball in the housing and in the second position releases the actuating ball so that it is displaced downwardly to engage the ball seat therebelow in the tool string. The ball drop cage may be connected to a releasing seat sleeve thereabove. Downward movement of the releasing seat sleeve from a first position to a second position after landing a releasing ball on the releasing sleeve moves the ball drop cage from the first position to the second position to release the actuating ball.

Abstract: Methods of cementing subterranean zones using cement compositions containing biogradable dispersants are provided. The methods are basically comprised of the steps of preparing a hydraulic cement, a biodegradable dispersant comprised of polyaspartic acid containing side chains formed by reacting one or more side chain chemicals with said polyaspartic acid and sufficient water to form a pumpable slurry, placing the cement composition into a zone to be cemented and allowing the cement composition to set into an impermeable solid mass therein.